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Canadian embassy in Cairo reopens after six days

Policemen stand guard in front of the presidential palace in Cairo February 2, 2013. At least one protester was shot dead and dozens wounded on Friday when riot police clashed with demonstrators demanding the overthrow of Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih

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OTTAWA — The Canadian Embassy in Cairo reopened Sunday after a six-day closure, amid ongoing violent protests throughout that country.

"Canada's mission in Cairo has returned to regular business hours," Rick Roth, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird's press secretary, said. "We take the safety and security of our personnel abroad very seriously, and we continue to monitor events closely and take appropriate security measures."

Foreign Affairs closed the Cairo embassy last Monday due to deteriorating security conditions. "Canada condemns the violence that has killed dozens of people over the past week, and we call for calm," Roth said.

Canadian officials urged travellers to Egypt to "exercise a high degree of caution due to the unpredictable security situation and continued demonstrations throughout the country."

Foreign Affairs also advised Canadians against all travel to Port Said, Suez and Ismailia, along with the Sinai Peninsula, except for some coastal resorts.